1. Experience. A professional builder brings years of experience into the construction of your new home. The builder will make it all happen...on time. All the different trades involved in the building of your new home are under the watchful eye of an experienced professional until your home is completed. A professional builder also advocates affordable housing and tax abatement, two important issues that help make your dream of owning a home come true.

2. Knowledge. In addition to experience in constructing new homes, a professional builder must have an in-depth knowledge of the electrical, plumbing and structural building codes in the area. Professional builders must also keep up-to-date on frequent code changes. In order to build a home in the most cost-effective and time-efficient manner, a professional builder must know which permits are required, as well as when and and who to file them with within the various divisions of the building department.

3. Quality. A professional builder takes pride in his or her work, and in the reputation he or she has earned among home buyers. Through careful planning and engineering, a professional builder will assemble a team of top craftsmen and suppliers to ensure that your home is built with the finest materials and technology available on the market.

4. Latest Designs. Through experience in the marketplace and participation in the various builder associations and trade shows, a professional builder is on the cutting edge of new design trends, including the newest use of volume ceilings, oversized windows, as well as many other features that make today's homes more livable and roomier than homes built just a few years ago.

5. Energy Savings. From your insulation and choice of windows and doors, to your air conditioning and heating equipment, as well as kitchen, laundry and bath fixtures, your home can be a big energy saver OR a big waste of resources. Only a professional builder can help you make the right choices. A professional builder's experience, coupled with long-established relationships with many suppliers, all work together to keep the builder in tune with energy-efficient, energy-saving technologies.

6. Recognition. Because of the high standards and fair manner in which a professional builder conducts business, a professional builder is recognized and respected by the people he interacts with, including government agencies, local businesses and buyers.

7. Code of Ethics. To succeed and maintain professional standing within the building industry, a professional builder is bound by a specific code of ethics. This code of ethics promotes professionalism and skill in business affairs, and providing customers with the best housing value possible, the best quality, the best warranties, and the highest standards for safety.

8. Affiliations. A professional builder will belong to associations like the Twin Lakes Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders. Through these associations, a professional builder can advocate for affordable housing and tax abatement, two important issues that help make your dream of owning a home come true.

9. Education. A professional builder is constantly learning, frequently attending building seminars and trade shows throughout the country to receive extensive, ongoing training in new building techniques. A professional builder will research materials that can be used to build your new home with the latest designs and state-of-the-art systems that will add to the value of your new home.

10. Warranty Protection. A professional builder will usually include warranties on workmanship and materials used, so you can rest a little easier when making your purchase.